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Mahony T, Wang C, Coilparampil A, Kong A, Patterson-Norrie T, Villarosa A, George A, Yaacoub A. Dental clinicians' perceptions on the use of tele-dentistry consultations during COVID-19 within public dental clinics in Sydney, Australia. Aust Dent J 2023; 68:282-293. [PMID: 37694508 DOI: 10.1111/adj.12979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although well accepted by clinicians and patients, teledentistry is not currently a widely used model of care within Australian public oral health services. This qualitative study aimed to review and evaluate dental clinicians' perceptions, by determining the acceptability and appropriateness of teledentistry as a model of care. METHODS A purposive sample of 12 public dental practitioners employed by a Local Health District in Sydney, and who had participated in teledentistry consultations, were recruited to participate in focus groups. Focus group discussions were transcribed verbatim and subjected to thematic analysis. RESULTS Teledentistry was a novel concept for most participants and was well accepted. Participants valued the use of a standardized consultation template as well as effective communication with other dental clinicians to support the practice of teledentistry. However, many found attempting contact with patients over the telephone difficult as well as the perceived patient frustration with the administration process and technological difficulties experienced. CONCLUSION Teledentistry has the potential for growth and expansion in the public health system. From the opinions in this study, the authors propose further research is needed into the efficacy of teledentistry to assist with the development of a model of care that would be beneficial for dental clinicians and their patients. © 2023 Australian Dental Association.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Mahony
- Oral Health Services, Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - C Wang
- Oral Health Services, Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - A Coilparampil
- Oral Health Services, Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - A Kong
- Australian Centre for Integration of Oral Health (ACIOH), School of Nursing & Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
| | - T Patterson-Norrie
- Australian Centre for Integration of Oral Health (ACIOH), School of Nursing & Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
| | - A Villarosa
- Australian Centre for Integration of Oral Health (ACIOH), School of Nursing & Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
| | - A George
- Australian Centre for Integration of Oral Health (ACIOH), School of Nursing & Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Surry Hills, New South Wales, Australia
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - A Yaacoub
- Oral Health Services, Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
- Australian Centre for Integration of Oral Health (ACIOH), School of Nursing & Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Surry Hills, New South Wales, Australia
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